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The short right field wall at the Polo Grounds should prove an easy target for Ruth next season and, playing seventy-seven games at home, it would not be surprising if Ruth surpassed his home run record of twenty-nine circuit clouts next Summer.

Robinson's path in the immediate future may not be too smooth, however. He may run into antipathy from Southerners who form about 60 per cent of the league's playing strength. In fact, it is rumored that a number of Dodgers expressed themselves unhappy at the possibility of having to play with Jackie.

Jackie, himself, expects not trouble. He said he was "thrilled and it's what I've been waiting for." When his Montreal mates congratulated and wished him luck, Robinson answered: "Thanks, I need it."

Whether Robinson will be used at first or second base is not known. That will depend upon the new manager, yet to be named by Rickey.

Rickey, in answer to a query, declared he did not expect trouble from other players, because of Robinson. "We are all agreed," he said, "that Jackie is ready for the chance."

Baseball owners called arbitrator Peter Seitz a Scrooge and the players hailed him as somewhat of a Santa Claus after his decision making pitchers Andy Messersmith and Dave McNally free agents. [...]

"It is presumptuous on his (Seitz') part to change the entire structure of the game," Bill Veeck, new owner of the Chicago White Sox, said. "But since he has, I hope we can all sit down and find a solution."

Unlike some other owners, Veeck does not think Seitz' decision will spell a mass exodus of players to greener pastures, nor does he think it will create the bidding war that occurred when [Catfish] Hunter was free to negotiate with any team and finally accepted a $3.75 million, five-year offer of the New York Yankees.

I still remember a card from The Baseball Box, discussing the change in language from the early days of baseball. The author noted an acquaintance who actually spoke like that, "in low sports page English," saying players inhabited "the orchard," where they hit "bingles" and "circuit clouts." Gushing over a prospect one day, he was asked what position the kid played. "He's a guardian of the keystone sack," came the reply.